Pistons-Pacers Brawl Beer Thrower Convicted

Pistons fan John Green, caught on tape throwing a beer at Ron Artest and sparking the infamous "Basketbrawl" in the fall of 2004, was convicted of misdemeanor assault and faces jail time and a fine. Interestingly, he was acquitted of actually tossing the cup, but convicted for punches he threw at Artest after the former Pacer entered the stands. Green plans to appeal on the grounds that Artest's failure to attend his trial violated his Sixth Amendment right to, in Green's words, "have him here." Funny, but I don't think those words are in the 6th Amendment. Even if Green loses or abandons his appeal, the civil cases arising from the brawl are likely to drag on for years.

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